What Does “Walled” Mean? #

“Being walled off” refers to a situation where certain websites or services cannot be accessed normally via the internet due to various reasons. In some countries, foreign websites may be blocked for reasons related to cybersecurity and regulatory management.

Domain blocking typically means that a domain is intercepted by a firewall in certain countries or regions, rendering it inaccessible. This often occurs because the website’s content violates regulations, such as containing illegal, pornographic, violent, or gambling-related material, or touching on sensitive topics like politics, religion, or ethnicity, thereby breaching relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, factors such as a blocked server IP, DNS issues, or fraudulent activities by black-hat operators may also lead to a domain being walled off.

What Is “ICP Filing”? #

ICP filing refers to the process of submitting a website’s information to the relevant authorities for registration and management to ensure its legality and compliance. For websites operating in mainland China, using domestic servers and completing ICP filing is a basic requirement for lawful operation. According to the Telecommunications Regulations of the People’s Republic of China and the Administrative Measures for Internet Information Services, any entity or individual providing internet information services in China must file with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This is one of the fundamental requirements for legally operating a website.

Common Reasons for a Domain Being Blocked #

1. Failure to Complete ICP Filing: All websites providing internet information services in China must complete ICP filing; otherwise, they may be blocked.
2. Content Violations: If a website contains illegal or sensitive information, it may be blocked by regulatory authorities.
3. Technical Issues: Sometimes, a domain may be mistakenly flagged as illicit due to technical errors.

How Can Filing Help Resolve the Issue? #

If your website has not yet completed ICP filing, you should promptly follow the required procedures to do so. You can find the relevant filing process and forms on the official website of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Ensure that the information provided is accurate and truthful, including details about the domain registrant, server host, and other pertinent information.

When a domain is blocked, resolving the issue through filing involves the following steps:

1. Switch to a Domestic Server: Transfer the blocked domain to a server located in mainland China, as this is a prerequisite for filing.
2. Submit a Filing Application: Provide the required filing information to the relevant authorities, including the website name, domain, server IP address, and details of the person responsible for the website.
3. Await Review: After submitting the filing application, wait for the authorities to review it. Upon approval, the website will receive a filing number, which serves as proof of lawful operation.
4. Restore Access: Once the filing is successfully completed, the domain-blocking issue is typically resolved, and the website can resume normal access within China.

Important Notes:

1. The filing process can be complex and requires preparing and submitting materials in accordance with the authorities’ requirements.
2. Filing does not guarantee that a domain will never be blocked again. If the website’s content violates regulations or other issues arise, it may still face blocking risks.
3. Before filing, it’s advisable to review and clean up the website’s content to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, thereby reducing the risk of being blocked.
4. If the domain blocking stems from technical issues like DNS pollution or a sealed IP address, filing alone may not resolve the problem. Additional technical measures, such as switching DNS servers or IP addresses, may be necessary.

In summary, while filing can help resolve domain-blocking issues to some extent, it requires the website’s content to be lawful and compliant, and it must operate on a domestic server.

Alternative Solutions #

If “ICP filing” cannot resolve the blocking issue, there are other indirect methods to improve accessibility:

1. Check Content Compliance

   • Thoroughly review the website’s content to ensure it does not include illegal or sensitive material.
   • Avoid using prohibited terms or content related to politics, pornography, gambling, etc.

2. Contact Service Providers

   • Reach out to your domain registrar and server hosting provider to identify the specific reasons for the block and explore solutions.
   • If the issue is technical, you may need to collaborate with them to adjust server configurations or IP addresses.

3. File an Appeal

   • Submit a formal appeal to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology or the relevant cyberspace regulatory authority, providing a detailed explanation and supporting documentation.
   • Be patient during the appeal process, as it may take some time to receive a response.

4. Seek Professional Assistance

   • If you’re unfamiliar with the filing process or technical issues, consider consulting a professional internet service provider or lawyer for expert advice.

5. Use Proxy Servers

   • Utilize services like VPNs or VPS to bypass network restrictions.

6. CDN Services

   • Leverage a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to cache resources on servers closer to users, improving access speed and stability.

7. Choose a Suitable Service Provider

   • Some providers offer better strategies or solutions for handling such issues.

Note that bypassing firewalls or using proxy services may involve legal and policy considerations. Ensure compliance with the laws and regulations of the relevant country. Additionally, these methods may not fully resolve all access restrictions and could entail risks and technical complexity.

Considerations When Addressing the Issue #

While this article provides methods and approaches to resolve domain blocking, several key points should be kept in mind during the process:

1. Accuracy of Information

   • During the ICP filing process, ensure all submitted information is truthful and accurate. False information may lead to filing rejection or legal consequences.

2. Regular Content Review

   • Even after filing is completed, periodically check the website’s content to avoid triggering blocking mechanisms due to content changes.

3. Legal Compliance

   • Always adhere to the internet-related laws and regulations of the country or region where the website operates.

Conclusion #

Domain blocking is typically caused by multiple factors, with failure to complete ICP filing being one possible reason. By promptly completing the filing process, ensuring content legality, and communicating with service providers, you may be able to lift the domain’s blocked status. Additionally, it’s recommended to regularly maintain the website’s content and filing information to prevent future issues.